Microbiological Laboratory Safety Issues

Practice flashcards covering biosafety levels, regulatory agencies, and laboratory safety equipment based on Chapter 9.

Biosafety

An area of laboratory safety that involves biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms and their toxins, which can adversely affect human health.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; an agency involved in the development, control, and oversight of safety issues in the laboratory environment.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; an agency that provides guidelines and standards for microbiology laboratories.

WHO

World Health Organization; an international agency involved in biosafety guidelines and standards.

HHS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; an agency involved in the oversight of biosafety guidelines.

BSL-1

Biosafety Level 1; used for working with microorganisms that generally do not cause disease in healthy humans.

BSL-2

Biosafety Level 2; designed for agents considered a moderate risk to personnel, utilizing containment devices, administrative controls, and stricter guidelines than BSL-1.

BSL-3

Biosafety Level 3; applies to laboratories using original or exotic agents that can potentially cause serious disease or lethality, requiring increased safety, training, and limited access.

BSL-4

Biosafety Level 4; required for exotic agents with a high risk of aerosol transmission and life-threatening infections, requiring specific training and isolation in separate buildings or controlled areas.

MSDSs

Material Safety Data Sheets; documents for each chemical in a laboratory developed by NIOSH in connection with OSHA containing key information and data.

NIOSH

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; the agency that developed MSDSs and the Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.

Ionizing or nonionizing radiation

Forms of radiation including radioactive chemicals, UV light, and visible light that may cause damage through a single large exposure or cumulative small doses.

General purpose hoods

Standard fume hoods including constant volume, variable air volume, and auxiliary air supply types.

Radioisotope hoods

Fume hoods tested and authorized for use with volatile radioactive materials.

Biosafety cabinets

Safety equipment designed to prevent or minimize exposure to biohazardous agents.

Perchloric acid hoods

Specialized hoods that must be used with procedures involving perchloric acid.

Sharps containers

Specific disposal containers used for the safe management of needles or other piercing objects in the laboratory.

Blood-borne pathogens

A primary safety issue in healthcare facilities identified alongside biological hazards and chemical exposure.

Ergonomic guidelines

OSHA standards for nursing home personnel intended to prevent musculoskeletal disorder.